Moonlit Fae

black jeans and sunglasses added a cool, laid-back vibe to my outfit. My mom drove me to the airport in Venice, Italy, on a warm dusk evening, the sun'

memories of my life, a place where terror and tragedy struck on a fateful day. The day I lost my beloved grandmother in a horrific accident, a trauma that still haunts me. Also a town where my mother swept me up in her arms and fled, leaving behind the only home I knew at just five

ty.I love its winding canals, the stunning architecture and beauti

er eyes, blonde silky hair, and identical facial features, except for the smile lines that crinkled around her eyes. Our past was complicated, with my parents, Jacob Evans and my mom, divorcing when I was just a baby. She later marrie

ee my dad after two whole years. I had barely spoken to him since our last visit, and the thought of reunifying with him in Hilo made my stomach tw

r desire to protect me from the unknown. But I knew I had to do this, no matter how hard it was. I was leaving behind the warmth and love of my mother, the one person w

om, I'm

on the cheek, and she struggled to contain her tears. I felt my own eyes welling up in response. "Call me when you arrive, and tell Jacob I said hi," she managed t

he city I loved, but now it felt like a cruel taunt. The old man beside me was already snoring loudly, mere minutes into the flight, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed. The thought of being trapped with

head set, I was just regretting not remembering to take my earpiece when

it to recline abruptly. He jolted awake with a startled expression, as if he'd seen a ghost in his dreams. I quickly covered my face with my sleeping mask, feigning

rge of disgust and hatred towards myself, the situation, and even Hilo, Hawaii, my destination. I turned around slowly, trying not to draw attention to myself, and was surprised to see the other passengers sleeping peacefully

and instructed us to buckle up that I jolted awake. The cabin reeked of ammonia and bleach, a stark contrast to the serene landscape outside. I chose to ignore the old man's behavior, not wanting to draw attention to myself and risk a dramatic confrontation like those I'd seen on TikTok

ning wide for a hug. But instead of a warm embrace, he offered a stiff, one

, his gaze lingering on me like a detective searching for clues. I felt a surge of irritation as he sniffed the air, his eyes narrowing as if trying to place the acrid scent clinging to me. "Do yo

otten into some kind of altercation on the plane. He loaded my lightweight luggage into the back boot, remarking that my Italian clothes were too flimsy for Hawaii's climate. My mom and I had made a last-minute effort to supplement

tiny. He kept sneaking glances at me through the rearview mirror,

ound nonchalant while holding my

plane or something. You look pretty upset." His tone suggested he wasn't expecting a respon

't want to talk about it," I said, tryin

f course not, Dad. I'm really happy to see you," I said, trying to sound genuine and gentle. He smiled again, looking a bit embarra

e asked while looking

ng eye contact. It was already raining in Hilo. Well I didn't expect muc

e he was monitoring my reaction from the rear view mirror. Yeah that's one of the agreements I made with my dad via coming to Hilo

asked curiously wh

. He said. But for some reason it seems like he was hiding something. I imagine several kind

you buy it".

e said, his tone sounds as if he was trying to please me. My que

aid as grateful a

hard to suppress his feelings, if he were a gi

n, the rest we just commented on the weather whi

ing gardens with a great filter. Even more to see when you explore, the dramatic waterfalls, the two active vol